Brighter Riddim – Various Artists

What makes Brighter Riddim interesting is the way it leans into roots-minded consciousness without losing the bite of a dancehall juggling. Cutty Ranks brings the warning-shot energy on “No More Guns, ” while Luciano, Jah Mason and Chezidek push the more reflective side with songs like “Feeling, ” “The Struggle” and “Let Dem Live, ” so the set moves between uplift and hard reality without sounding forced. Baba Tunde featuring Thea, Ishmael, Peter Lloyd and Ras Omeek add a bit of variety in the middle, but the whole thing is held together by a bright, insistent groove that keeps the bass moving. The final stretch closes with Sipple Steppa’s “Feeling” and the instrumental “Version - Brighter Riddim, ” which leaves the rhythm itself doing the talking.